U.S. patent number 8,770,682 [Application Number 13/391,632] was granted by the patent office on 2014-07-08 for refrigerator.
This patent grant is currently assigned to LG Electronics Inc.. The grantee listed for this patent is Eun Joo Lee, Hang Bok Lee. Invention is credited to Eun Joo Lee, Hang Bok Lee.
United States Patent |
8,770,682 |
Lee , et al. |
July 8, 2014 |
Refrigerator
Abstract
A refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator includes a cabinet
having a first storage chamber, a plurality of doors which open and
close an access opening formed at a front surface of the first
storage chamber, a hinge assembly which rotatably couples each door
to the cabinet, and a basket assembly rotatably coupled to the
cabinet with respect to the hinge assembly, the basket assembly
being configured to define a second storage chamber which is
received in the first storage chamber. The basket assembly includes
a basket frame defining the second storage chamber and a basket
mounted on the basket frame to receive food stuff when at least one
of the doors is opened. The basket assembly is configured such that
an access into the basket is enabled through a front face and rear
face of the basket assembly.
Inventors: |
Lee; Eun Joo (Gyeongnam,
KR), Lee; Hang Bok (Gyeongnam, KR) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Lee; Eun Joo
Lee; Hang Bok |
Gyeongnam
Gyeongnam |
N/A
N/A |
KR
KR |
|
|
Assignee: |
LG Electronics Inc. (Seoul,
KR)
|
Family
ID: |
44319958 |
Appl.
No.: |
13/391,632 |
Filed: |
January 19, 2011 |
PCT
Filed: |
January 19, 2011 |
PCT No.: |
PCT/KR2011/000373 |
371(c)(1),(2),(4) Date: |
February 22, 2012 |
PCT
Pub. No.: |
WO2011/093613 |
PCT
Pub. Date: |
August 04, 2011 |
Prior Publication Data
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|
|
Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20120286639 A1 |
Nov 15, 2012 |
|
Foreign Application Priority Data
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|
|
|
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Feb 1, 2010 [KR] |
|
|
10-2010-0009334 |
Feb 1, 2010 [KR] |
|
|
10-2010-0009335 |
Feb 1, 2010 [KR] |
|
|
10-2010-0009336 |
Feb 1, 2010 [KR] |
|
|
10-2010-0009337 |
Feb 1, 2010 [KR] |
|
|
10-2010-0009338 |
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
312/291;
312/405 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25D
23/028 (20130101); F25D 23/04 (20130101); F25D
23/025 (20130101); F25D 23/12 (20130101); F25D
23/00 (20130101); F25D 2323/024 (20130101); F25D
2323/023 (20130101); F25D 27/00 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A47B
97/00 (20060101); A47B 96/04 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;312/291,405,401,405.1,402,224-227,290,321.5 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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1627016 |
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2003-0083813 |
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KR |
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20-0420472 |
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10-0733309 |
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2243462 |
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Dec 2004 |
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RU |
|
WO 2004/059228 |
|
Jul 2004 |
|
WO |
|
Other References
PCT International Search Report dated Jul. 28, 2011 for Application
No. PCT/KR2011/000373, three pages. cited by applicant .
Russian Notice of Allowance dated Aug. 20, 2013 for Application No.
201146538/13 with English Translation, 18 pages. cited by applicant
.
Korean Notice of Allowance dated Aug. 9, 2013 for Application No.
10-2010-0009337 with English Translation, 3 pages. cited by
applicant.
|
Primary Examiner: Jayne; Darnell
Assistant Examiner: Ayres; Timothy M
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Fish & Richardson P.C.
Claims
The invention claimed is:
1. A refrigerator, comprising: a cabinet defining a storage chamber
of which a front surface is open; a basket assembly, the basket
assembly including: a frame rotatable with respect to the cabinet
and having a pair of access openings passing therethrough; a
plurality of baskets arranged in the access openings; and a door
handle projected from a front surface of the frame and having a
grasping groove recessed therein; a first door which is opened by
rotating in a same direction as a rotation direction of the basket
assembly, the first door configured to open or close one of the
pair of access openings; a second door which is opened by rotating
in the same direction as the rotation direction of the basket
assembly, the second door configured to open or close the other of
the pair of access openings; a first hinge enabling the first door
and the second door to respectively rotate; and a second hinge
enabling the basket assembly to rotate, wherein one of the first
door and the second door defines a handle shield part covering at
least a portion of the door handle.
2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the door handle
comprises: an extension portion extending frontward from the front
surface of the frame; and a front portion extending after being
bent at an end of the extension portion, wherein the handle shield
part comprises: a first surface covering the front portion by
facing the front portion; and a second surface covering the
extension portion by facing the extension portion.
3. The refrigerator according to claim 2, further comprising a
gasket disposed at a position where the front surface of the frame
and a rear surface of the door are in close contact with each
other.
4. The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein a front end of
the handle shield part defined in the one of the first door and the
second door is further protruded forward than a front end of the
other of the first door and the second door.
5. The refrigerator according to claim 4, wherein the one of the
first door and the second door is disposed below the other of the
first door and the second door.
6. The refrigerator according to claim 1, further comprising a door
opening apparatus configured to open the first door and the second
door.
7. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein a rear surface of
the first door or the second door is in close contact with a front
surface of the cabinet when the first door or the second door is in
a closed position, wherein the refrigerator further comprises a
gasket disposed along the rear surface of the first door or the
second door which is in close contact with the front surface of the
cabinet.
8. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein an edge of the
one of the first door and the second door which defines the handle
shield part is extended to an entrance of the grasping groove.
9. A refrigerator, comprising: a cabinet defining a storage chamber
of which a front surface is open; a basket assembly, the basket
assembly including: a frame rotatable with respect to the cabinet,
accommodated in the storage chamber in a closed position, and
having an access opening passing therethrough; a plurality of
baskets arranged in the access opening; and a door handle projected
from a front surface of the frame and having a grasping groove
recessed therein; a door which is opened by rotating in a same
direction as a rotation direction of the basket assembly, the door
including a handle shield part which covers a front surface of the
door handle such that the front surface of the door handle is not
exposed when the door is in a closed position to close a front
surface of the access opening; a first hinge enabling the door to
rotate; a second hinge enabling the basket assembly to rotate; and
a gasket disposed at a position where the front surface of the
cabinet and a rear surface of the door are in close contact with
each other, and configured to block leakage of cold air from the
storage chamber, wherein the door includes: a first door having the
handle shield part; and a second door additionally disposed
proximate to the first door, wherein the first door is a
predetermined distance away from the second door to allow access of
a user's hand to the grasping groove, and wherein a front end of
the door handle is further protruded forward than a front end of
the second door which is proximate to the door handle.
10. The refrigerator according to claim 9, wherein the door handle
comprises: an extension portion extending frontward from the front
surface of the frame; and a front portion extending after being
bent at an end of the extension portion, wherein the handle shield
part comprises: a first surface covering the front portion by
facing the front portion; and a second surface covering the
extension portion by facing the extension portion.
11. The refrigerator according to claim 9, further comprising a
gasket disposed at a position where the front surface of the frame
and a rear surface of the door are in close contact with each
other.
12. The refrigerator according to claim 9, wherein the handle
shield part is configured to be slanted or rounded frontward with
respect to a front surface of the door to cover the door
handle.
13. The refrigerator according to claim 12, wherein the front
surface of the door handle is configured to be slanted or rounded
along a profile of the handle shield part.
14. The refrigerator according to claim 9, wherein the second door
is disposed below the first door, and a lower end of the first door
is a predetermined distance away from an upper end of the second
door.
15. The refrigerator according to claim 9, wherein a front end of
the handle shield part is further protruded forward than a front
end of the second door that corresponds to the handle shield
part.
16. The refrigerator according to claim 9, wherein an edge portion
of the second door that corresponds to the handle shield part is
configured to be slanted or rounded rearward to be positioned
rearward of the handle shield part.
17. The refrigerator according to claim 9, wherein the first hinge
and the second hinge are configured to share a same rotational
axis.
18. The refrigerator according to claim 9, wherein an edge of the
first door which defines the handle shield part is extended to an
entrance of the grasping groove.
19. The refrigerator according to claim 9, further comprising a
door opening apparatus configured to open the door.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a U.S. National Phase Application under 35
U.S.C. .sctn.371 of International Application PCT/KR2011/000373,
filed on Jan. 19, 2011, which claims the benefit of Korean
Application Nos. 10-2010-0009334, 10-2010-0009335, 10-2010-0009336,
10-2010-0009337 and 10-2010-0009338, filed on Feb. 1, 2010, the
entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in
their entireties.
DESCRIPTION
1. Technical Field
The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator.
2. Background Art
A refrigerator is a home appliance that can store products received
in a storage chamber in a frozen or refrigerated state using cold
air generated through heat-exchange with refrigerant that
circulates through a cooling cycle. The refrigerator includes a
cabinet having a storage chamber and a door rotatably disposed on
the cabinet to selectively open or close the storage chamber.
Generally, a basket for receiving products is disposed on a back
surface of the door. Thus, since the door is substantially
increased in weight, a relatively large force may be required for
opening or closing the storage chamber.
Also, when the door is rotated to take the products in or out of
the basket, the storage chamber is substantially opened and exposed
to the outside. Thus, cold air within the storage chamber may
unnecessarily leak to the outside.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
Technical Problem
Embodiments provide a refrigerator configured to easily open or
close a door.
Embodiments also provide a refrigerator in which leaking of cold
air can be minimized in taking in or out of products.
Solution to Problem
In one embodiment, a refrigerator includes: a cabinet having a
first storage chamber; a plurality of doors which open and close an
access opening formed at a front surface of the first storage
chamber; a hinge assembly which rotatably couples each door to the
cabinet; and a basket assembly rotatably coupled to the cabinet
with respect to the hinge assembly, the basket assembly being
configured to define a second storage chamber which is received in
the first storage chamber, wherein the basket assembly includes: a
basket frame defining the second storage chamber; and a basket
mounted on the basket frame to receive food stuff when at least one
of the doors is opened, wherein the basket assembly is configured
such that an access into the basket is enabled through a front face
and rear face of the basket assembly.
In another embodiment, a refrigerator includes: a cabinet including
a first storage chamber; a basket assembly defining a second
storage chamber which is selectively accommodated in the first
storage chamber; at least one door disposed in front of the basket
assembly to open or close an access opening of the first storage
chamber and/or a front surface of the basket assembly; a first
gasket provided on one of a rear surface of the door and a front
surface of the basket assembly; a second gasket provided on one of
a rear surface of the door and a front surface of the cabinet; and
a hinge assembly coupling the basket assembly and the door
rotatably to the cabinet.
In further another embodiment, a refrigerator includes: a cabinet
configured to define an exterior boundary of the refrigerator; a
storage chamber defined by interior walls of the cabinet and
configured to store food stuffs, the storage chamber having an
access opening; a first door configured to open and close the
access opening of the storage chamber by rotating, the first door
defined by a basket frame; a second door configured to open and
close a portion of an access opening of the first door and having a
sealing member; and a third door configured to open and close the
other portion the access opening of the first door and having a
sealing member, wherein a rotational direction of the second door
and the third door is the same as that of the first door, wherein a
front surface of the second door is positioned to be generally
coplanar with at least a portion of a front surface of the third
door, wherein the sealing members of the second door and the third
door selectively contact the cabinet.
The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the
accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features
will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the
claims.
Advantageous Effects of Invention
According to the embodiments, the door may be easily opened or
closed, and the leaking of the cold air may be minimized in the
taking in or out of products.
Also, according to the embodiments, foods may be effectively
received into the second storage chamber by the plurality of
baskets disposed vertically.
Also, since the plurality of baskets is separated from the
receiving device and withdrawn to the outside through the opening
of the first door, the foods may be easily taken in or out of the
plurality of baskets.
Also, since the second door has a left-right length equal to that
of the first door, a sense of beauty of the refrigerator door may
be improved.
Also, the storage chamber of the first door may have a large size
to improve the receiving efficiency.
Also, since the second door is rotated in the same direction as
that of the first door, the storage chamber having the large size
may be easily opened or closed to improve convenience of use.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an outer appearance of a
refrigerator according to an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a basket
assembly of the refrigerator is opened according to an
embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a
refrigerating compartment and a freezing compartment are opened
according to an embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a side-sectional view illustrating an inner structure of
the refrigerator according to an embodiment.
FIG. 5 is an enlarged view illustrating a portion A of FIG. 4.
FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a hinge
structure of a refrigerator door according to an embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a configuration of
a door opening mechanism according to an embodiment.
FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a hinge
structure of a refrigerator door according to another
embodiment.
FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a hinge
structure of a refrigerator door according to another
embodiment.
FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a hinge
structure of a refrigerator door according to another
embodiment.
FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a hinge
structure of a refrigerator door according to another
embodiment.
FIG. 12 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a configuration
of a door opening mechanism according to another embodiment.
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to
another embodiment.
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to
another embodiment.
MODE FOR THE INVENTION
Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the
present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the
accompanying drawings. However, the sprit of the present disclosure
is not limited to the embodiments, and other embodiments by
modifications, additions, and deletions of other element also fall
on the sprit of the present disclosure.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an outer appearance of a
refrigerator according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective
view illustrating a state in which a basket assembly of the
refrigerator is opened according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a
perspective view illustrating a state in which a refrigerating
compartment and a freezing compartment are opened according to an
embodiment.
Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a storage chamber is defined inside a
cabinet 10 of a refrigerator according to an embodiment. The
storage chamber stores products to be stored in a frozen or
refrigerated state. In the current embodiment, the storage chamber
is partitioned into a freezing compartment 11 and a refrigerating
compartment 13 by a barrier 15 vertically disposed inside the
cabinet 10. That is, the refrigerator according to the current
embodiment may be a side by side type refrigerator. Also, front
surfaces of the freezing compartment 11 and the refrigerating
compartment 13 are opened, and the products to be stored in the
frozen or refrigerated state are accessed through the opened front
surfaces of the freezing compartment 11 and the refrigerating
compartment 13.
A plurality of shelves 17 and a receiving box 19 are disposed
inside each of the freezing compartment 11 and the refrigerating
compartment 13. The shelves 17 substantially vertically partition
the freezing compartment 11 and the refrigerating compartment 13,
and the products to be stored in the frozen or refrigerated state
are seated on the shelves 17. The receiving box 19 may be accessed
into/from the freezing compartment 11 or the refrigerating
compartment 13. The products to be stored in frozen or refrigerated
state are received into the receiving box 19.
The opened front surfaces of the freezing compartment 11 and the
refrigerating compartment 13 are selectively opened or closed by
basket assemblies 100 and 200. Substantially, the basket assemblies
100 and 200 are separated toward the outside of the freezing
compartment 11 and the refrigerating compartment 13 to open or
close the front surfaces of the freezing compartment 11 and the
refrigerating compartment 13, respectively. The cabinet 10 is
rotatably installed on the basket assemblies 100 and 200.
Hereinafter, for convenience of description, the basket assembly
for opening or closing the front surface of the freezing
compartment 11 is referred to as a freezing compartment basket
assembly 100, and the basket assembly for opening or closing the
front surface of the refrigerating compartment 13 is referred to as
a refrigerating compartment basket assembly 200.
Each of the freezing compartment basket assembly 100 and the
refrigerating compartment basket assembly 200 includes basket
frames 110 and 210 and a plurality of baskets 120 and 220. Each of
the basket frames 110 and 210 has an empty frame shape with an
inner space. The basket frames 110 and 210 are rotatably installed
on the cabinet 10. Also, the baskets 120 and 220 are detachably
installed on the basket frames 110 and 120, respectively.
Substantially, the products to be stored in the frozen or
refrigerated state are received into the baskets 120 and 220
through opened front or rear surfaces of the freezing compartment
basket assembly 110 and the refrigerating compartment basket
assembly 200.
Portions of the rear surfaces of the freezing compartment basket
assembly 100 and the refrigerating compartment basket assembly 200
may be selectively opened or closed by a basket door 121.
Substantially, the basket door 121 opens or closes portions of rear
surfaces of the freezing compartment basket assembly 100 and the
refrigerating compartment basket assembly 200 corresponding between
the baskets 120 and 220 adjacent to each other. For example, since
the basket door 121 is rotatably installed on one of the baskets
120 and 220, the basket door 121 may open or close portions of the
rear surfaces of the freezing compartment basket assembly 100 and
the refrigerating compartment basket assembly 200.
Also, door handles 130 and 230 are disposed on the freezing
compartment basket assembly 100 and the refrigerating compartment
basket assembly 200, respectively. The door handles 130 and 230 are
horizontally disposed on sides of the front surfaces of the
freezing compartment basket assembly 100 and the refrigerating
compartment basket assembly 200, substantially, sides of front
surfaces of the frames 110 and 210. The door handles 130 and 230
are grasped by a user to rotate the freezing compartment basket
assembly 100 and the refrigerating compartment basket assembly 200
with respect to the cabinet 10. That is, when the user pulls
forward the door handles 130 and 230 in a state where the user
grasps the door handles 130 and 230, the freezing compartment
basket assembly 100 and the refrigerating compartment basket
assembly 200 with respect to the cabinet 10 are rotated and
withdrawn to the outside of the freezing compartment 11 or the
refrigerating compartment 13.
In the current embodiment, each of the door handles 130 and 230
extends in a horizontal direction in a state where they protrude
forward from the front surfaces of the frames 110 and 210. Grasping
grooves 131 and 231 are defined in the door handles 130 and 230,
respectively. Substantially, the grasping grooves 131 and 231 are
places at which user's fingers for grasping the door handles 130
and 230 are positioned. The grasping grooves 131 and 231 are
recessed upward from bottom surfaces of the door handles 130 and
230, respectively.
The front surfaces of the freezing compartment basket assembly 100
and the refrigerating compartment basket assembly 200 are
selectively opened or closed by freezing compartment doors 310 and
320 and refrigerating compartment doors 410 and 420, respectively.
Also, the freezing compartment doors 310 and 320 and the
refrigerating compartment doors 410 and 420 are rotatably installed
on the cabinet 10, like the freezing compartment basket assembly
100 and the refrigerating compartment basket assembly 200. In a
state where the freezing compartment doors 310 and 320 and the
refrigerating compartment doors 410 and 420 respectively close the
front surfaces of the freezing compartment basket assembly 100 and
the refrigerating compartment basket assembly 200 disposed inside
the freezing compartment 11 or the refrigerating compartment 13,
edges of back surfaces of the freezing compartment doors 310 and
320 and the refrigerating compartment doors 410 and 420 are closely
attached to the front surface of the cabinet 10. A plurality of
slots 50 is disposed on positions adjacent to rotation centers of
the doors on the front surface of the cabinet 10. A function of the
respective slots 50 will be described later.
In the current embodiment, the freezing compartment doors 310 and
320 and the refrigerating compartment doors 410 and 420 include
first and second freezing compartment doors 310 and 320 and first
and second refrigerating compartment doors 410 and 420,
respectively. The first and second freezing compartment doors 310
and 320 selectively open or close upper and lower sides of the
front surface of the freezing compartment basket assembly 100,
respectively. Also, the first and second refrigerating compartment
doors 410 and 420 selectively open or close upper and lower sides
of the front surface of the refrigerating compartment basket
assembly 200, respectively. That is, in the current embodiment, the
front surface of the freezing compartment 11 or the refrigerating
compartment 13 is opened or closed by one freezing compartment
basket assembly 100 or one refrigerating compartment basket
assembly 200. The front surfaces of the freezing compartment basket
assembly 100 and the refrigerating compartment basket assembly 200
are selectively opened or closed by the first and second freezing
compartment doors 310 and 320 and the first and second
refrigerating compartment doors 410 and 420.
A bottom surface of the first freezing compartment door 310 is
spaced a predetermined distance from a top surface of the second
freezing compartment door 320, and a bottom surface of the first
refrigerating compartment door 410 is spaced a predetermined
distance from a bottom surface of the second refrigerating
compartment door 420. This is done for a reason that the user
grasps the door handles 130 and 230 through the spaces between the
first and second freezing compartment doors 310 and 32 and between
the first and second refrigerating compartment doors 410 and
420.
Handle shield parts 311 and 411 are disposed on a lower end of the
first freezing compartment door 310 and a lower end of the first
freezing compartment door 410, respectively. Also, the handle
shield parts 311 and 411 constitute portions of the first and
second freezing compartment doors 310 and 410, respectively. The
handle shield parts 311 and 411 may be inclined or curved with
respect to the front surface of the first or second freezing
compartment door 310 or 410. When the doors 310 and 410 are closed,
back surfaces of the handle shield parts 311 and 411 are closely
attached to front surfaces of the door handles 130 and 230. As a
result, the door handles 130 and 230 are not exposed forward by the
handle shield parts 311 and 411.
Also, a viewing window 417 may be disposed in the first
refrigerating compartment door 410. The viewing window 417 may be
formed of a transparent material. The user may selectively look
into the inside of the refrigerating compartment basket assembly
200 through the viewing window 417. For example, only when the
refrigerating compartment basket assembly 200 is illuminated by a
refrigerating compartment basket lighting source 240 that will be
described later, the user may look into the inside of the
refrigerating compartment basket assembly 200 through the viewing
window 417. For this, a lighting button 418 may be disposed at a
side of the first refrigerating compartment door 410. The lighting
button 418 receives a signal for turning on/off the refrigerating
compartment basket lighting source 240.
FIG. 4 is a side-sectional view illustrating an inner structure of
the refrigerator according to an embodiment.
Referring to FIG. 4, a cool air supply duct 20 is disposed in the
cabinet 10. The cool air supply duct 20 supplies cool air to the
refrigerating compartment basket assembly 200. The cool air supply
duct 20 is disposed inside the barrier 15. Here, the cool air
supply duct 20 may have one end directly communicating with a heat
exchange chamber (not shown) in which an evaporator (not shown) is
received. Also, a cool air supply hole 30 may be defined in the
barrier 15, and a discharge hole of the cool air supply duct 20 may
connected to the cool air supply hole 30. Thus, cool air flowing
along the cool air supply duct 20 is discharged into the
refrigerating compartment or the freezing compartment through the
cool air supply hole 30. Substantially, the cool air supply hole 30
may be disposed adjacent to the refrigerating compartment basket
assembly 200 corresponding between the baskets 120 and 220 adjacent
to each other.
Although not shown, a separate cool air supply duct and cool air
supply hole for supplying the cool air into the freezing
compartment basket assembly 100 and the refrigerating compartment
basket assembly 200 may be additionally provided. The cool air
supply duct and cool air supply hole for supplying the cool air
into the freezing compartment basket assembly 100 and the
refrigerating compartment basket assembly 200 may have
constitutions substantially similar to those of the cool air supply
duct 20 and cool air supply hole 30.
FIG. 5 is an enlarged view illustrating a portion A of FIG. 4.
Referring to FIG. 5, first and second inclined surfaces 41 and 43
are disposed on the front surface of the cabinet 10. The first
inclined surface 41 is inclined downward from an edge of the front
surface of the cabinet 10 toward the inside of the cabinet 10. The
second inclined surface 43 is inclined downward from a lower end of
a portion stepped downward from a rear end of the first inclined
surface 41 toward the inside of the cabinet 10. Here, the first and
second inclined surfaces 41 and 43 may be inclined at angles
different from each other.
The first and second inclined surfaces 41 and 42 are disposed to
prevent the cool air within the freezing compartment 11 or the
refrigerating compartment 13 from leaking. That is, a cool air
passage may have a more complicated structure to minimize the
leaking of the cool air. In other words, since contact areas
between the cabinet 10 and the freezing compartment doors 310 and
320 and between the cabinet 10 and the refrigerating compartment
doors 410 and 420 are substantially increased by the first inclined
surface 41 and door liners 313 and 413 that will be described
later, it may efficiently y prevent the cool air within the
freezing compartment 11 and the refrigerating compartment 13 from
leaking.
A second hinge bracket 520 that will be described later is disposed
on the second inclined surface 43. In other words, the second hinge
bracket 520 is disposed in a space between the second inclined
surface 43 and top surfaces of the freezing and refrigerating
compartment basket assemblies 100 and 200. Thus, due to the second
inclined surface 43, it may prevent the cabinet 10 and the second
hinge bracket 520 from interfering with each other in a process in
which the freezing compartment basket assembly 100 and the
refrigerating compartment basket assembly 200 are rotated.
The door liners 313 and 413 are disposed on back surfaces of the
freezing compartment doors 310 and 320 and the refrigerating
compartment doors 410 and 420. Edges of the back surfaces of the
freezing compartment doors 310 and 320 and the refrigerating
compartment doors 410 and 420 are inclined at an angle
corresponding to that of the first inclined surface 41 to form the
door liners 313 and 413. The first inclined surface 41 and the door
liners 313 and 413 may substantially minimize a gap between the
cabinet 10 and the freezing and refrigerating compartment doors
310, 320, 410, and 420 to minimize the leaking of the cool air
within the freezing compartment 11 and the refrigerating
compartment 13.
First and second gaskets G1 and G2 are disposed on the back
surfaces of the freezing compartment doors 310 and 320 and the
refrigerating compartment doors 410 and 420, respectively. The
first and second gaskets G1 and G2 are selectively closely attached
to the front surfaces of the freezing compartment basket assembly
100 and the refrigerating compartment basket assembly 200 and the
front surface of the cabinet 10, respectively. The first and second
gaskets G1 and G2 may be disposed on the back surfaces of the
freezing compartment doors 310 and 320 and the refrigerating
compartment doors 410 and 420, respectively. However, the present
disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the gaskets G1 and
G2 may be disposed on the front surfaces of the freezing
compartment basket assembly 100 and the refrigerating compartment
basket assembly 200, i.e., the front surfaces of the frames 110 and
210 and the front surface of the cabinet 10, respectively.
The second gasket G2 is disposed outside the first gasket G1. In
the current embodiment, the first and second gaskets G1 and G2 are
separately manufactured and spaced from each other.
In more detail, the first gasket G1 may primarily prevent the cool
air within the freezing compartment basket assembly 100 and the
refrigerating compartment basket assembly 200 from leaking to the
outside in a state where the freezing compartment doors 310 and 320
and the refrigerating compartment doors 410 and 420 are
respectively closely attached on the front surfaces of the freezing
compartment basket assembly 100 and the refrigerating compartment
basket assembly 200. For this, the first gasket G1 is disposed
between the front surfaces of the freezing compartment basket
assembly 100 and the refrigerating compartment basket assembly 200
and the back surfaces of the freezing compartment doors 310 and 320
and the refrigerating compartment doors 410 and 420 to shield a gap
therebetween.
The second gasket G2 may secondarily prevent the cool air within
the freezing compartment 11 or the refrigerating compartment 13
from leaking to the outside in a state where the freezing
compartment basket assembly 100 and the refrigerating compartment
basket assembly 200 are received inside the freezing compartment 11
or the refrigerating compartment 13. For this, the second gasket G2
is disposed between the front surface of the cabinet 10 and the
back surfaces of the freezing compartment doors 310 and 320 and the
refrigerating compartment doors 410 and 420 to shield a gap
therebetween.
A magnet may be inserted inside at least one of the first and
second gaskets G1 and G2 to closely attach the back surfaces of the
freezing compartment doors 310 and 320 and the refrigerating
compartment doors 410 and 420 to the first and second gaskets G1
and G2.
FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a hinge
structure of a refrigerator door according to an embodiment.
Referring to FIG. 6, a plurality of hinge brackets 510 and 520 is
disposed to rotatably support the freezing and refrigerating
compartment basket assemblies 100 and 200 and the freezing and
refrigerating compartment doors 310, 320, 410, and 420 to the
cabinet 10. Hereinafter, for convenience of description, the hinge
bracket for rotatably supporting the freezing and refrigerating
compartment basket assemblies 100 and 200 to the cabinet 10 is
referred to as a first hinge bracket 510, and the hinge bracket for
rotatably supporting the freezing and refrigerating compartment
doors 310, 320, 410, and 420 to the cabinet 10 is referred to as a
second hinge bracket 520.
The first hinge bracket 510 includes a frame fixing part 511, a
connection part 513, and a first hinge coupling part 515. The frame
fixing part 511 is fixed to top and bottom surfaces of the frames
100 and 210. That is, the frame fixing part 511 is disposed between
the second inclined surface 43 and the frames 110 and 210. Thus,
the frame fixing part 511 is not exposed to the outside in a state
where the basket assemblies 100 and 200 are received inside the
cabinet 10.
Also, the connection part 513 is bent at a front end of the frame
fixing part 511 and extends from the front end of the frame fixing
part 511. The frame fixing part 511 disposed on the top surfaces of
the frames 110 and 210 is bent upward, and the frame fixing part
511 disposed on the bottom surface of the frames 110 and 210 is
bent downward. The connection part 513 operates a first door switch
71 that will be described later. For this, the connection part 513
contacts the front surface of the cabinet 10 in a state where the
freezing compartment basket assembly 100 and the refrigerating
compartment basket assembly 200 are respectively received into the
freezing compartment 11 or the refrigerating compartment 13. The
first hinge coupling part 515 is curved laterally from a front end
of the connection part 513 and horizontally extends. A first hinge
hole 516 passing through a hinge shaft H that will be described
later is defined in the first hinge coupling part 515.
The second hinge bracket 520 includes a cabinet fixing part 521 and
a second hinge coupling part 523. The cabinet fixing part 521 is
fixed to an edge of the top or bottom surface of the cabinet 10.
The second hinge coupling part 523 extends to a predetermined
length from a front end of the cabinet fixing part 521 toward a
front side of the cabinet 10. Substantially, the second hinge
coupling part 523 vertically overlaps the first hinge coupling part
515. A second hinge hole 524 is defined in the second hinge
coupling part 523. The hinge shaft H passes through the second
hinge hole 524.
Two hinge shafts H may be provided to rotatably install the back
surfaces of the freezing compartment doors 310 and 320 and the
refrigerating compartment doors 410 and 420 on the cabinet 10. The
hinge shaft H vertically extends from a top surface of the first
freezing compartment door 310 and a bottom surface of the second
freezing compartment door 320 to sequentially pass through the
first hinge hole 516 and the second hinge hole 523. This structure
may be equally applied to the first and second refrigerating
compartment doors 410 and 420. Thus, the basket assemblies 100 and
200 and the doors 310, 320, 410, and 420 are rotated around the
same rotation axis.
The second hinge bracket 520 is shielded by a hinge cover 530. For
this, the hinge cover 530 may have a shape and size enough to
shield the whole second hinge bracket 520.
FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a configuration of
a door opening mechanism according to an embodiment.
Referring to FIG. 7, the refrigerator according to the current
embodiment includes a door opening mechanism. The door opening
mechanism automatically opens one of the first and second freezing
compartment doors 310 and 320 and the first and second
refrigerating compartment doors 410 and 420 at a predetermined
angle to open the front surfaces of the freezing compartment basket
assembly 100 and the refrigerating compartment basket assembly 200
in a state where the freezing compartment basket assembly 100 and
the refrigerating compartment basket assembly 200 are received
inside the freezing compartment 11 and the refrigerating
compartment 13. For this, the door opening mechanism may includes
input units 315, 325, 415, and 425, a door opening driving source
61, and a door opening driving member 63.
In detail, the input units 315, 325, 415, and 425 may be disposed
on the front surfaces of the freezing compartment doors 310 and 320
or the refrigerating compartment doors 410 and 420. Also, the input
units 315, 325, 415, and 425 may receive a door opening signal in a
touch button manner using an electrostatic capacitance variation
and a mechanical button manner. Alternatively, the input units 315,
325, 415, and 425 may receive the door opening signal using a
separate remote control.
The door opening driving source 61 provides a driving force for
opening the freezing compartment doors 310 and 320 and the
refrigerating compartment doors 410 and 420 according to a signal
inputted through the input units 315, 325, 415, and 425 to the door
opening driving member 63. In detail, for example, a
forward/reverse rotation motor may be used as the door opening
driving source 61. When the door opening driving source 61 receives
the door opening signal from the input units 315, 325, 415, and
425, the door opening driving source 61 is rotated in one direction
(hereinafter, for convenience of description, referred to as a
`forward direction`) to provide a driving force for opening the
freezing compartment doors 310 and 320 and the refrigerating
compartment doors 410 and 420 for a preset operation time. Here,
the forward driving force of the door opening driving source 61
exceeds an attaching force of the second gasket G2. Also, the door
opening driving source 61 may be rotated in the other direction
(hereinafter, for convenience of description, referred to as a
`reverse direction`) by an elapsed set time or a door closing
signal to provide a driving force to the door opening driving
member 63.
The door opening driving member 63 pushes the freezing compartment
doors 310 and 320 and the refrigerating compartment doors 410 and
420 by the driving force provided from the door opening driving
source 61. In detail, for example, the door opening driving member
63 may have a disk shape having a set central angle. Also, the door
opening driving member 63 is received inside the slot 50. The door
opening driving member 63 may be disposed to take it in/out the
cabinet 10 through the slot 50. Here, the door opening driving
member 63 protrudes from the slot 50 to the outside of the cabinet
10 by the forward rotation of the door opening driving source in to
push the freezing compartment doors 310 and 320 and the
refrigerating compartment doors 410 and 420. The door opening
driving member 63 may be taken in the slot 50 by the reverse
rotation of the door opening driving source after a set time
elapses from a time point at which the rotation of the door opening
driving source 61 in the forward direction is ended. Here, it is
not necessary to use the forward/reverse rotation motor as the door
opening driving source 61. For example, when the door opening
driving source 61 is rotated forwardly at about 180 degrees, the
door opening driving member 63 may be taken out the slot 50. Also,
when the door opening driving source 61 is rotated forwardly at
about 360 degrees, the door opening driving member 63 may be
completely taken in the slot 50.
Substantially, the door opening driving member 63 pushes the
freezing compartment doors 310 and 320 and the refrigerating
compartment doors 410 and 420 to open the freezing compartment
doors 310 and 320 and the refrigerating compartment doors 410 and
420 at a set angle with respect to the cabinet 10. Here, the opened
angle may be determined in consideration of the attaching force of
the second gasket G2.
First and second door switches 71 and 73 may be disposed on the
front surface of the cabinet 10. The first door switch 71 detects
whether the freezing compartment basket assembly 100 and the
refrigerating compartment basket assembly 200 are rotated. Also,
the second door switch 73 detects whether the freezing compartment
doors 310 and 320 and the refrigerating compartment doors 410 and
420 are rotated. Thus, the number of first door switch 71
corresponds to those of the freezing compartment basket assembly
100 and the refrigerating compartment basket assembly 200, and the
number of second door switch 73 corresponds to those of the
freezing compartment doors 310 and 320 and the refrigerating
compartment doors 410 and 420. That is, in the current embodiment,
two first door switches 71 may be provided, and four second door
switches 73 may be provided.
In detail, the first door switch 71 may be disposed on the front
surface of the cabinet 10. Specifically, the first door switch 71
may protrude to a region in which the first door switch 71 contacts
the back surface of the connection part 513. Thus, when the
freezing compartment basket assembly 100 and the refrigerating
compartment basket assembly 200 are received inside the freezing
compartment 11 or the refrigerating compartment 13, the first door
switch 71 is pushed by the connection part 513 to detect the
take-in of the basket assemblies 100 and 200. When the freezing
compartment basket assembly 100 and the refrigerating compartment
basket assembly 200 are taken out of the freezing compartment 11 or
the refrigerating compartment 13, the first door switch 71 may be
exposed to the outside of the cabinet 10.
Hereinafter, when the first door switch 71 is pushed by the
connection part 513, the first door switch 71 may be turned off.
Also, when the first door switch 71 is exposed to the outside of
the cabinet 10, the first door switch 71 may be turned on. These
operations may be equally applied to an on/off operation of the
second door switch 73 by the freezing compartment doors 310 and 320
and the refrigerating compartment doors 410 and 420.
When the second door switch 73 is exposed from a side of the front
surface of the cabinet 10 to the outside, the second door switch 73
may be located at any position spaced laterally from the first door
switch 73. When the freezing compartment doors 310 and 320 or the
refrigerating compartment doors 410 and 420 are closely attached to
the front surface of the cabinet 10, the second door switch 73 is
pushed and inserted into the cabinet 10. Thus, the second door
switch 73 is turned off.
A freezing compartment lighting source 81 and a refrigerating
compartment lighting source 83 may be disposed in the freezing
compartment 11 and the refrigerating compartment 13, which are
disposed inside the cabinet 10, respectively. The compartment
lighting source 81 and the refrigerating compartment lighting
source 83 are turned on/off according to an on/off operation of the
first door switch 71 to selectively illuminate the insides of the
freezing compartment 11 and the refrigerating compartment 13. That
is, the compartment lighting source 81 and the refrigerating
compartment lighting source 83 respectively illuminate the freezing
compartment 11 and the refrigerating compartment 13 when the
freezing compartment basket assembly 100 and the refrigerating
compartment basket assembly 200 are rotated and taken out of the
freezing compartment 11 and the refrigerating compartment 13 to
allow the first door switch 71 to be turned on.
Basket lighting sources 140 and 240 may be disposed in the freezing
compartment basket assembly 100 and the refrigerating compartment
basket assembly 200, respectively. The basket lighting sources 140
and 240 are turned on/off according to an on/off operation of the
second door switch 73 to selectively illuminate the insides of the
freezing compartment basket assembly 100 and the refrigerating
compartment basket assembly 200. That is, when the freezing
compartment doors 310 and 320 or the refrigerating compartment
doors 410 and 420 to open the front surfaces of the freezing
compartment basket assembly 100 and the refrigerating compartment
basket assembly 200, the second door switch 73 is turned on to
illuminate the insides of the freezing compartment basket assembly
100 and the refrigerating compartment basket assembly 200.
Hereinafter, the lighting source for illuminating the inside of the
freezing compartment basket assembly 100 is referred to as a
freezing compartment basket lighting source 140, and the lighting
source for illuminating the inside of the refrigerating compartment
basket assembly 200 is referred to as a refrigerating compartment
basket lighting source 240.
Here, the freezing compartment basket lighting source 140 may
illuminate the inside of the freezing compartment basket assembly
100 when only one of the first and second freezing compartment
doors 310 and 320 for opening or closing the freezing compartment
basket assembly 100 is opened. Also, like the freezing compartment
basket lighting source 140, the refrigerating compartment basket
lighting source 240 may be turned on through the same manner as the
freezing compartment basket lighting source 140 to illuminate the
inside of the refrigerating compartment basket assembly 200.
However, as described above, the refrigerating compartment basket
lighting source 240 may be turned on also when an input signal is
applied to the lighting button 418.
Hereinafter, an operation of the refrigerator according to an
embodiment will be described in detail. For convenience of
description, only a process for opening or closing the
refrigerating compartment of the storage chamber will be described.
However, the current embodiment may be equally applied to the
freezing compartment.
First, when products are not accessed, the front surface of the
refrigerating compartment 13 and the front and rear surfaces of the
refrigerating compartment basket assembly 200 are shielded. In more
detail, the refrigerating compartment basket assembly 200 is
disposed inside the refrigerating compartment 13. The front surface
of the refrigerating compartment basket assembly 200 disposed
inside the refrigerating compartment 13 is shielded by the
refrigerating compartment doors 410 and 420, i.e., the first and
second refrigerating compartment doors 410 and 420. Here, the first
and second gaskets G1 and G2 disposed on the back surfaces of the
first and second refrigerating compartment doors 410 and 420,
substantially, the first and second refrigerating compartment doors
410 and 420 are closely attached to the front surface of the
refrigerating compartment basket assembly 200 and the front surface
of the cabinet 10, respectively. Thus, it may prevent the cool air
within the refrigerating compartment 13 and the refrigerating
compartment basket assembly 200 from leaking.
Also, in a state where the refrigerating compartment basket
assembly 200 is disposed inside the refrigerating compartment 13
and the front surface of the refrigerating compartment basket
assembly 200 is shielded by the first and second refrigerating
compartment doors 410 and 420, the first and second door switches
71 and 72 are pushed by the refrigerating compartment basket
assembly 200 and the first and second refrigerating compartment
doors 410 and 420 and are inserted into the cabinet 10. Thus, the
first and second door switches 71 and 73 are turned on, and thus,
the refrigerating compartment lighting source 83 and the
refrigerating compartment basket lighting source 240 are maintained
in the turn-off state.
In this state, the user may recognize the products received in the
refrigerating compartment basket assembly 200 without opening the
first refrigerating compartment door 410. In more detail, in a
state where the first refrigerating compartment door 410 shields
the front surface of the refrigerating compartment basket assembly
200, when the user inputs a signal through the lighting button 418,
the refrigerating compartment basket lighting source 240 is
operated. Thus, the user may recognize the products received in the
refrigerating compartment basket assembly 200 through the viewing
window 417.
Next, referring to FIG. 2, for opening the front surface of
refrigerating compartment basket assembly 200, the first and second
refrigerating compartment doors 410 and 420 are rotated with
respect to the cabinet 10 to open the front surface of
refrigerating compartment basket assembly 200. Here, when the first
and/or second refrigerating compartment door(s) 410 and/or 420
is(are) rotated with respect to the cabinet 10, a portion of the
front surface or the entire front surface of refrigerating
compartment basket assembly 200 is opened.
For example, to open the first refrigerating compartment door 410,
thereby opening an upper portion of the front surface of
refrigerating compartment basket assembly 200, the user inputs a
signal through the input unit 415 disposed on the first
refrigerating compartment door 410. Then, when the input unit 415
receives the signal, the door opening driving source 61 is rotated
forwardly to allow the door opening driving member 63 to be exposed
to the outside of the cabinet 10 through the slot 50. Thus, the
first refrigerating compartment door 410 overcomes the attaching
forces of the first and second gaskets G1 and G2, and thus is
spaced from the front surface of the cabinet 10. Here, the first
refrigerating compartment door 410 is rotated at a preset opening
angle with respect to the cabinet 10 by the door opening driving
member 63.
When the first refrigerating compartment door 410 is rotated at the
preset opening angle, the user rotates the first refrigerating
compartment door 410 with respect to the cabinet 10 to open the
upper portion of the front surface of the refrigerating compartment
basket assembly 200. Thus, the user may take the products in or out
of the refrigerating compartment assembly and the refrigerating
compartment basket assembly 200 through the front surface of the
refrigerating compartment basket assembly 200.
When the first refrigerating compartment door 410 is rotated to
open the front surface of the refrigerating compartment basket
assembly 200, an external force pressing the second door switch 73
is removed. Then, the second door switch 73 protrudes from the
inside of the cabinet 10 to the outside and is turned off. Then,
the refrigerating compartment basket lighting source 240 is turned
on by the turn-off operation of the second door switch 73. Thus,
the user may easily take the products in or out of the
refrigerating compartment basket assembly 200.
When the preset operation time elapses in a state where the first
refrigerating compartment door 410 is rotated at the opening angle
by the door opening driving member 63, the door opening driving
source 61 is reversely rotated. As a result, the door opening
driving member 63 is inserted into the cabinet 10 through the slot
50 due to the reverse rotation of the door opening driving member
63. Thus, the first refrigerating door 410 is rotated with respect
to the cabinet 10 by the attaching forces of the first and second
gaskets G1 and G2 to shield the front surface of the refrigerating
compartment basket assembly 200.
Referring to FIG. 3, to opening the front surface of the
refrigerating compartment 13, the refrigerating compartment basket
assembly 200 is rotated with respect to the cabinet 10 to allow the
refrigerating compartment basket assembly 200 from being separated
to the outside of the refrigerating compartment 13. Thus, the front
surface of the refrigerating compartment 13 is opened, and
simultaneously, the rear surface of the refrigerating compartment
basket assembly 200 is opened. Thus, when the front surface of the
refrigerating compartment 13 is opened, a portion of the front
surface or the entire front surface of the refrigerating
compartment basket assembly 200 may be opened by the first and/or
second refrigerating compartment door(s) 410 and/or 420 or the
front surface of the refrigerating compartment basket assembly 200
may be shielded by the first and/or second refrigerating
compartment door(s) 410 and/or 420.
In detail, the user grasps the door handle 230 to pull the
refrigerating compartment basket assembly 200. Thus, the
refrigerating compartment basket assembly 200 is rotated with
respect to the cabinet 10 and separated to the outside of the
refrigerating compartment 13. Here, when the portion of the front
surface or the entire front surface of the refrigerating
compartment basket assembly 200 is shielded, the refrigerating
compartment basket assembly 200 is rotated, and simultaneously, the
first and/or second refrigerating compartment door(s) 410 and/or
420 is(are) rotated with respect to the cabinet 10.
When the refrigerating compartment basket assembly 200 is separated
to the outside of the refrigerating compartment 13, the front
surface of the refrigerating compartment 13 and the rear surface of
the refrigerating compartment basket assembly 200 are opened. Thus,
the user may take the products in or out of the refrigerating
compartment 13 and the refrigerating compartment basket assembly
200.
Also, when the refrigerating compartment basket assembly 200 is
separated to the outside of the refrigerating compartment 13, the
first door switch 71 pushed by the connection part 513 and inserted
into the cabinet 10 protrudes outside the cabinet 10. Thus, the
first door switch 71 is turned off, and the refrigerating
compartment lighting source 83 is turned on by the turn-off
operation of the first door switch 71. As a result, the user may
easily take the product in or out of the refrigerating compartment
13 by the turn-on of the refrigerating compartment lighting source
83.
Hereinafter, a refrigerator according to a second embodiment will
be described in detail with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a hinge
structure of a refrigerator door according to another
embodiment.
In explanations of the current embodiment, the same part as those
of the previously described embodiment will be quoted from the
reference numerals of FIGS. 1 to 7, and their detailed descriptions
will be omitted.
Referring to FIG. 8, in the current embodiment, a first hinge hole
516 is defined in a first hinge coupling part 515 constituting a
first hinge bracket 510. A hinge shaft H is integrally disposed on
a second hinge coupling part 523 constituting a second hinge
bracket 520. The hinge shaft H extends downward from a bottom
surface of the second hinge coupling part 523. Also, hinge grooves
h are defined in top surfaces of a first freezing compartment door
310 and a first refrigerating compartment door 410, and bottom
surfaces of a second freezing compartment door 320 and a second
refrigerating compartment door 420, respectively.
Since the hinge shaft H passes through the first hinge hole 516 and
is inserted into the hinge grooves h, a freezing compartment basket
assembly 100, a refrigerating compartment basket assembly 200, the
freezing compartment doors 310 and 320, and the refrigerating
compartment doors 410 and 420 are rotated with respect to a cabinet
10. Although not shown, a separate hinge shaft disposed on a
virtual straight line extending in the same direction as that of
the hinge shaft H is disposed between the first and second freezing
compartment doors 310 and 320 and the first and second
refrigerating compartment doors 410 and 420.
FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a hinge
structure of a refrigerator door according to another
embodiment.
In explanations of the current embodiment, the same part as those
of the previously described embodiment will be quoted from the
reference numerals of FIGS. 1 to 7, and their detailed descriptions
will be omitted.
Referring to FIG. 9, in the current embodiment, a hinge boss 517 is
disposed on a first hinge coupling part 515 constituting a first
hinge bracket 510. The hinge boss 517 extends downward from a
bottom surface of the first hinge coupling part 515. Also, a hinge
groove is defined inside the hinge boss 517. A hinge shaft H is
integrally disposed on a second hinge coupling part 523
constituting a second hinge bracket 520. The hinge shaft H extends
downward from a bottom surface of the second hinge coupling part
523. Also, hinge grooves h are defined in top surfaces of a first
freezing compartment door 310 and a first refrigerating compartment
door 410, and bottom surfaces of a second freezing compartment door
320 and a second refrigerating compartment door 420,
respectively.
The hinge shaft H is inserted into the hinge groove of the hinge
boss 517, and the hinge boss 517 is inserted into the hinge groove
h in a state where the hinge shaft H is inserted. Thus, a freezing
compartment basket assembly 100, a refrigerating compartment basket
assembly 200, the freezing compartment doors 310 and 320, and the
refrigerating compartment doors 410 and 420 are rotated with
respect to a cabinet 10. Although not shown, a separate hinge shaft
disposed on a virtual straight line extending in the same direction
as that of the hinge shaft H is disposed between the first and
second freezing compartment doors 310 and 320 and the first and
second refrigerating compartment doors 410 and 420.
FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a hinge
structure of a refrigerator door according to another
embodiment.
In explanations of the current embodiment, the same part as those
of the previously described embodiment will be quoted from the
reference numerals of FIGS. 1 to 7, and their detailed descriptions
will be omitted.
Referring to FIG. 10, in the current embodiment, a first hinge hole
516 is defined in a first hinge coupling part 515 constituting a
first hinge bracket 510. A second hinge hole 524 is defined in a
second hinge coupling part 523 constituting a second hinge bracket
520. Also, hinge grooves h are defined in top surfaces of a first
freezing compartment door 310 and a first refrigerating compartment
door 410, and bottom surfaces of a second freezing compartment door
320 and a second refrigerating compartment door 420,
respectively.
Since a separate pin or a separate hinge shaft H having a screw
shape passes through the first and second hinge holes 516 and 523
and is inserted into the hinge groove h, a freezing compartment
basket assembly 100, a refrigerating compartment basket assembly
200, the freezing compartment doors 310 and 320, and the
refrigerating compartment doors 410 and 420 are rotated with
respect to a cabinet 10. Although not shown, a separate hinge shaft
disposed on a virtual straight line extending in the same direction
as that of the hinge shaft H is disposed between the first and
second freezing compartment doors 310 and 320 and the first and
second refrigerating compartment doors 410 and 420.
FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a hinge
structure of a refrigerator door according to another
embodiment.
In explanations of the current embodiment, the same part as those
of the previously described embodiment will be quoted from the
reference numerals of FIGS. 1 to 7, and their detailed descriptions
will be omitted.
Referring to FIG. 11, in the current embodiment, a hinge boss 517
is disposed on a first hinge coupling part 515 constituting a first
hinge bracket 510. The hinge boss 517 extends downward from a
bottom surface of the first hinge coupling part 515. A hinge hole
524 is defined in a second hinge coupling part 523 constituting a
second hinge bracket 520. Also, hinge grooves h are defined in top
surfaces of a first freezing compartment door 310 and a first
refrigerating compartment door 410, and bottom surfaces of a second
freezing compartment door 320 and a second refrigerating
compartment door 420, respectively.
Since a separate pin or a separate hinge shaft H having a screw
shape passes through the hinge hole 523 and is inserted into the
hinge boss 517 and the hinge boss 517 in which a hinge shaft H is
inserted into the hinge groove h, a refrigerating compartment
basket assembly 200, the freezing compartment doors 310 and 320,
and the refrigerating compartment doors 410 and 420 are rotated
with respect to a cabinet 10. Although not shown, a separate hinge
shaft disposed on a virtual straight line extending in the same
direction as that of the hinge shaft H is disposed between the
first and second freezing compartment doors 310 and 320 and the
first and second refrigerating compartment doors 410 and 420.
FIG. 12 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a configuration
of a door opening mechanism according to another embodiment.
In explanations of the current embodiment, the same part as those
of the previously described embodiment will be quoted from the
reference numerals of FIGS. 1 to 7, and their detailed descriptions
will be omitted.
Referring to FIG. 12, a first electromagnet 91 is disposed on a
front surface of a cabinet 10. A second electromagnet 93 may be
disposed on a back surface of freezing compartment doors 310 and
320 and refrigerating compartment doors 410 and 420 disposed at a
position corresponding to that of the first electromagnet 91. An
input unit 97 receives a signal for opening the freezing
compartment doors 310 and 320 and the refrigerating compartment
doors 410 and 420. An attractive or repulsive force is generated
between the first and second electromagnets 91 and 93 by a current
controller 97.
In detail, in a state where the freezing compartment doors 310 and
320 and the refrigerating compartment doors 410 and 420 are closed,
i.e., back surfaces of the freezing compartment doors 310 and 320
and the refrigerating compartment doors 410 and 420 are closely
attached to a front surface of the cabinet 10, when the input unit
97 receives a signal for opening the freezing compartment doors 310
and 320 and the refrigerating compartment doors 410 and 420, the
current controller 97 controls current supplied into the first and
second electromagnets 91 and 93 to generate the repulsive force
between the first and second electromagnets 91 and 93.
The current controller 97 controls the current supplied into the
first and second electromagnets 91 and 93 so that the repulsive
force between the first and second electromagnets 91 and 93 exceeds
an attaching force of first and second gaskets G1 and G2 and the
freezing compartment doors 310 and 320 and the refrigerating
compartment doors 410 and 420 are rotated with respect to the
cabinet 10 at a preset opening angle. When a preset first operation
time elapses after the input unit 97 receives the signal for
opening the freezing compartment doors 310 and 320 and the
refrigerating compartment doors 410 and 420, the current controller
97 may control the current supplied into the first and second
electromagnets 91 and 93 to generate the repulsive force between
the first and second electromagnets 91 and 93 for a preset second
operation time.
According to the above-described control method, the freezing
compartment doors 310 and 320 and the refrigerating compartment
doors 410 and 420 are rotated with respect to the cabinet 10 at the
opening angle by the repulsive force between the first and second
electromagnets 91 and 93 for the first operation time to open a
freezing compartment 11 or a refrigerating compartment 13. When the
freezing compartment doors 310 and 320 and the refrigerating
compartment doors 410 and 420 rotated with respect to the cabinet
10 at the opening angle are not further rotated within the first
operation time by the user, the attractive force acts between the
first and second electromagnets 91 and 93. That is, the freezing
compartment doors 310 and 320 and the refrigerating compartment
doors 410 and 420 are reversely rotated with respect to the cabinet
10 to shield the freezing compartment 11 or the refrigerating
compartment 13.
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to
another embodiment.
Referring to FIG. 13, in the current embodiment, a refrigerating
compartment 610 and a freezing compartment 620 defined inside a
cabinet 600 are vertically partitioned. Each of front surfaces of
the refrigerating compartment 610 and the freezing compartment 620
is opened, and products to be stored in a frozen or refrigerated
state are taken in or out through the opened front surfaces of the
refrigerating compartment 610 and the freezing compartment 620.
Also, first and second basket assemblies 630 and 640 are detachably
disposed on the inside and outside of the refrigerating compartment
610. The first and second basket assemblies 630 and 640 are
rotatably disposed on the cabinet 600. The first and second basket
assemblies 630 and 640 selectively open or close the front surface
of the refrigerating compartment 610. Front and rear surfaces of
the first and second basket assemblies 630 and 640 are opened to
take the product in or out therethrough. That is, like the
foregoing embodiments, the products may be taken in or out through
front or rear sides of the basket assemblies 630 and 640.
The front surfaces of the first and second basket assemblies 630
and 640 disposed inside the refrigerating compartment 610 are
opened or closed by first and second refrigerating compartment
doors 650 and 660. Each of the first and second refrigerating
compartment doors 650 and 660 is rotatably disposed with respect to
the cabinet 600.
The front surface of the freezing compartment 620 is selectively
opened or closed by a freezing compartment door 670. The freezing
compartment door 670 opens or closes the freezing compartment 620
in a drawer-type. A basket (not shown) is disposed on a back
surface of the freezing compartment door 670. Substantially, the
products to be stored in the frozen state are received into the
basket.
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to
another embodiment.
Referring to FIG. 14, in the current embodiment, a freezing
compartment 710 and a refrigerating compartment 720 defined inside
a cabinet 700 are vertically partitioned. Each of front surfaces of
the freezing compartment 710 and the refrigerating compartment 720
is opened, and products to be stored in a frozen or refrigerated
state are taken in or out through the opened front surfaces of the
freezing compartment 710 and the refrigerating compartment 720.
The front surfaces of the freezing compartment 710 and the
refrigerating compartment 720 are selectively opened or closed by a
freezing compartment basket assembly 730 and a refrigerating
compartment basket assembly 740, respectively. The freezing
compartment basket assembly 730 and the refrigerating compartment
basket assembly 740 are rotatably disposed in a side-swing type.
The products are taken in or out of the freezing compartment basket
assembly 730 and the refrigerating compartment basket assembly 740
through opened front and rear surfaces of the freezing compartment
basket assembly 730 and the refrigerating compartment basket
assembly 740.
Also, the opened front surfaces of the freezing compartment basket
assembly 730 and the refrigerating compartment basket assembly 740
are selectively opened or closed by a freezing compartment door 750
and a refrigerating compartment door 760, respectively. The
freezing compartment door 750 and the refrigerating compartment
door 760 are rotatably disposed on the cabinet 70 in the side-swing
type.
Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number
of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that
numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by
those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope
of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various
variations and modifications are possible in the component parts
and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within
the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims.
In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts
and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to
those skilled in the art.
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